continued  With carts ready they headed straight for the frozen section to pick out some of their favorite pre-made hors d'oeuvres. Once the doors swung open, aisles soon became crowded as customers raced to grab their favorite products like cookies and salad dressings.

“Still, I don’t think this is going to replace our regular grocery store,” said Hildreth. “I’m a Price Chopper fan and I’ll always go there, but there are things I can get here I can’t get anywhere else. This is a complimentary store.”

The interior of the store also carried over the same Hawaiian theme found on most of its products and décor, but was also livened up with aspects from the Capital District, like a giant chalk Capitol building.

Albany County Executive Dan McCoy said he looked up to Roter for his dedication. Roter wasn’t shopping, but talking to happy customers who thanked him for his efforts.

“I say to people out there if you want to make a change, get active, get involved and engage people in the community,” said McCoy. “Look what happens at the end of the day.”